This was such a fun book, very princess diaries and nostalgic with a modern twist that was a perfect summery beach read. I'm not usually a contemporary YA book lover but this one was very fun and entertaining.

2.75
In the story we follow Chloe who is an average Asian American living with her mom. Until a 23-and-me ancestry test reveals that she is in fact a part of the Noh family (a very rich Korean family) in order to get to know her family she flies off to Korea.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book and the secrecy of the family. Throughout the book you know there’s something more than what is being revealed and it entices you to continue reading. However I think this book did a little too much in certain areas and not enough in others.

The relationship she has with her American friends is great, however throughout her trip she is constantly calling her friends and getting an update on what’s going on over there with their friend group. I found these scenes boring and not really induceive to the plot. Every time we were receiving another call from the friend group in America I was trying to read through it as fast as possible. Chloe meets a friend in Korea named Miso which filled in the “friend” role for the book. Therefore having the American friends also be a part of it was just too much. (I love Miso though!)

Secondly the romance, oh my God it was dull and boring. I had a little bit of enticement in the very beginning when we were introduced to the male that would eventually become her love interest. And then there was nothing until maybe the last hundred pages of the book and then it was like “oh right… Romance… Here you go” and by that point it was just pointless.

The secrecy of the family ended up being extremely obvious but I still enjoyed how it came out. I will say though, I felt like the main character Chloe was extremely naïve and very dense to not have seen what the family really wanted.

For a book that is advertised as a kdrama, I actually did not find it very dramatic at all.

I really struggled with this one, and maybe it's because I don't exactly see the appeal of k-pop, but that's just a personal choice. I found no real interest in the characters or plot, and ultimately ended up DNF-ing. It's not that it's a bad book by any means, the writing is well done and the representation there. It's just not for me.

Thank you to Penguin Teen for providing me with an e-ARC of The Noh Family!

A K-Drama in the form of a book?!@ I'm in. I'm honestly a sucker for any form of media that takes me on a journey to Asia. I love exploring the fashion, the food, the culture, everything.

In The Noh Family, my favorite part is probably the references to K-Dramas. If you know me, you might know how obsessed I have been lately with Asian dramas. I have been binging them left & right and enjoying ever single moment of it. Thanks to Grace K. Shim & all the K-Drama titles that were dropped in the pages of The Noh Family, I now have a long list of recommendations to check out! A lot of Chloe's experiences are relatable to plot points in K-Dramas & Chloe, along with her friends, will actually name the shows that are relatable to that moment.

The Noh Family definitely had me questioning what the heck was going on through most of the book; there is some definite sketchiness going on in this family. One of the ending twists even had taken me by surprise.

I definitely think that if you enjoy YA fiction & K-Dramas this book is an absolute treat. Unfortunately, you won't be suffocated with the overly-cuteness & charm & romance that a lot of K-Dramas have, but you will definitely be treated to the drama.

Desperate for a different life, despite her economic reality growing up with a single mum, Chloe Chang longs for escape, belonging, and validation. She thinks she’s found all three after her dead father’s Korean family connect with her after the results of a DNA test. Convinced to travel across the world to meet them, she goes for answers about her family, against her mother’s wishes. She's eager to find out why her parents moved to the US, and to discover more about her father as a person, and his family, as her mother has told Chloe nothing about her parents' past.

To her utter surprise, she finds out her family are super wealthy and super influential (known as chaebol in Korea). Quickly drawn in by gifts and the presence of a cute chauffeur, Chloe thinks the world of her new grandmother at her initial meeting with the woman, and then little things begin happening that cast doubt on Chloe's perceptions of her Korean family. In fact, despite her mother's attempts to get Chloe to be more guarded in her dealing with them, Chloe opens herself to them unreservedly.

I read this book quickly. It was enjoyable, and despite my feeling intensely suspicious of her super rich relatives and frustrated by Chloe's unwillingness to question their motives for reaching out. I liked how the author used the tropes of K-dramas to tell Chloe's story. And though I thought she was too trusting and naïve, I did understand her need to connect with the big family she had always wanted. Her inflated expectations were bound to be disappointed, sadly, especially as she was dealing with people with radically different lives from her own.

I also liked how hard Chloe had to work to discover what and who was really important to her, such as her loving mother, and the friends she’d known for years. Though she had hard lessons to learn, she comes out on the other side more focused and appreciative of what she has always had in her life.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Young Readers Group for this ARC in exchange for my review.

The Noh Family follows a young girl named Chloe Chang who doesn't feel like she has a place in the world. Even though she has wonderful friends and a caring mother, she often wonders what she misses out on due to not knowing her father. However, everything changes when she takes a DNA test that explains she is connected to a very famous and wealthy family in Seoul. We follow Chloe on her tour around Seoul and also the hardships of meeting new family and realizing what you already have.

This story was not exactly what I was expecting. I did expect the main character Chloe to travel around Seoul and immerse herself in its incredible culture. The vivid food descriptions were phenomenal and I felt like I was actually in South Korea. I wasn't expecting the ending or how this story would turn out. Obviously I figured there would be drama and rich people fights, but again this plot was different then normal which I enjoyed.

I really loved Chloe as a main character. She was a bit naive and selfish at times, but I felt that was very accurate for a teenager. Sometimes teens don't know what to do and they act out or speak their mind which I consider a good learning opportunity for the character. I also enjoyed the side characters such as her best friends from back home Hazel and Seb, and her new best friend she meets in Seoul.

I thoroughly enjoyed this k-drama inspired YA contemporary. I loved Chloe as our main character and her personal journey in this story. There’s a lot of over the top shenanigans and family drama (as befitting the k-drama vibe) but also a ton of heart. The book read like an entire korean drama playing out from start to finish.

There is little to no romance in this. There’s like an almost love interest but it doesn’t go anywhere. As someone who love romance, I appreciated how this didn’t have it. The author kept the focus on familial relationships, self-love, and found family.

There’s a twist at the very end that didn’t work for me. It basically creates an opportunity for the author to write a sequel in the future. And while I loved this story, I don’t know if there’s enough to warrant a sequel.

My Thoughts:
If you are a fan of Dynasty style villains in Korea, K Drama, soap operas, Crazy Rich Asians, plot twists and life in high society, this book is for you. It is a fast read where readers get sucked in to the story even if we know that there is a huge pile up about to happen. The Devil Wears Prada ending also will leave you speechless.

Since I do not watch K Dramas, I didn't get the plot references, but Chloe was a likeable character and I was rooting for her.

Definitely the Korean version of China Rich Girlfriend (Crazy Rich, book 2) for YA. It will be a great beach read or perfect for a staycation indoors with air conditioning.

From the Publisher:
When her friends gift her a 23-and-Me test as a gag, high school senior Chloe Chang doesn’t think much of trying it out. She doesn’t believe anything will come of it—she’s an only child, her mother is an orphan, and her father died in Seoul before she was even born, and before her mother moved to Oklahoma. It’s been just Chloe and her mom her whole life. But the DNA test reveals something Chloe never expected—she’s got a whole extended family from her father’s side half a world away in Korea.

Turns out her father's family are amongst the richest families in Seoul and want to meet Chloe. So, despite her mother's reservations, Chloe travels to Seoul and is whisked into the lap of luxury . . . but something feels wrong. Soon Chloe will discover the reason why her mother never told her about her dad’s family, and why the Nohs wanted her in Seoul in the first place. Could joining the Noh family be worse than having no family at all?

Author: Grace K. Shim

Publisher: Kokila

Publication date: May 3, 2022

this was a very fun and entertaining k drama inspired novel! I did find the drama a bit silly at times but it made for an interesting read. i love dramas so reading this was just a delight.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review.

if you're looking for a kdrama inspired read, this is it!

this book was a serious throwback to high school, sitting around & binge watching kdrama's instead of getting enough sleep for the first day of senior year. chloe enraged me, stole my heart, was perfectly imperfect & made me check my hours on mydramalist

one of the main issues i had with this, however, was the pacing. it was way too outrageous at times, even more than the average kdrama. & the ending was severely rushed & anti climactic. i hope the series continues so i can give it a go!

This book served K-Drama and I enjoyed it. There were some great comedic moments and the MC felt relatable. At the end of the book, it made me feel like there will be another book so I would be interested in seeing where this goes!

Just from the earlier page, I brushed with familiarity. The setting, the expression, the food, the words, everything just reminded me of the good old times. When I "invested" hours upon hours on KDrama. Reading The Noh Family by @gkshimwrites somehow feels like coming home 🤗

Chloe Kang, a girl who thought that she only had her mom as her family suddenly knew that she
got a whole extended family from her father's side in Seoul. Longing to know more about the father whom she never met and being part of a big family she flew to South Korea to know more about the Noh Family.

If you are familiar with Drama that centered on the Chaebol family, you should know how this story is packed with family drama, secrets, and even betrayal. I only need one day to devour this story. The addiction is real! Just like how you could spend hours binge-watching a Kdrama, that's the same scenario when I'm reading this book. I couldn't put it down even though the plot is quite predictable. The real thrill for me is to see how the characters react when the truth is unfold.

I would love it even more if Chole wasn't that naive. She is too blindsided by her desire to have a "family" that she even couldn't see something that is extremely obvious. If she acts a little bit reasonable then there's no reason for me to not give it a 5⭐

As for the ending, I feel that we will get the sequel which I'm super excited ^^

Very light, quick read. Cute premise, with tongue in cheek integration of K-Drama tropes.

But... the writing was only ok. Actually, it was pretty basic. I've read better written MG books.

The plot was predictable (which can be fine), but the way our MC was so clueless to the obvious was jarring. The number of red flags that she ignored. She was truuuuly naive. She rarely (twice) stood up for herself, and spent half her time crying.

Oh, and I did not enjoy how we just glossed over how our MC was verbally assaulted and aggressively propositioned and then... we just moved on and never talk about it again? Like???

I also wanted more from the side characters. The sister was a bitch and stayed a bitch. She felt like a caricature of a villain.

Based on the ending, it seems set up for a book 2. Which... is a choice.

Overall, it had lots of potential, but was only ok.

Also, I would have kept the clothes.

The Noh family was a pleasant surprise! You do not need to know or love K-dramas to love this story.

Chloe Kang knows so little about her father that one day she takes a DNA test and is reunited with her family's extended family in Korea. The Noh family offers to have her stay and Chloe can't turn down a chance to know more about her father and this part of her family that she's never met. Once she lands, however, she comes to realize just how high in society her family is and slowly but surely...her life begins to resemble the K-dramas she loves so much.

Honestly, I came into this story not expecting to feel a huge connection as I'm not big on K-dramas but I soon learned that was not a requirement in the least. From the beginning Chloe's voice just pulled me in. I felt like I was watching a comfort TV show like Emily in Paris, but instead this was Chloe in South Korea.

The writing was greatly transportive--with every page I wanted to see more of South Korea, experience the food, and the novelty shops and cafes. It did what every good book should do, take you to somewhere new, and I felt that all throughout this book.

Even where miscommunication played a part in the story, in the end Chloe made strong choices that I was pleasantly surprised by. I'm grateful the ending didn't have a fairytale feel where everyone gets exactly what they want. I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it!

Solid 4 stars!

Thank You Penguin Teen Canada for sending me a finished copy! All opinions are my own

5 Stars
Pub date: May 3rd 2022
Publisher: Kokila

Ahhh I loved the Noh Family so much!! Once I started it, I just couldn’t put it down
This K-Drama in a book just keeps getting better as you continue to read. You join Chloe, our main character as she took a DNA test as a joke and is suddenly pulled into the world of the super rich in Korea. As an aspiring fashion designer, it was a dream to find that your fathers family is the owner of one of Seoul's largest department store. Not knowing anything about her fathers side throughout her whole life, she goes on this journey of finding her true family.

One of my favourite parts was Chloe going around Korea discovering the cultural differences and the really good food! It makes me want to go to Korea just for the food!

This book was amazing and I’m so excited for all of Grace Shim’s future work!

Oh my gosh, this book was AMAZING! Such a fun page-turner that kept me so interested. This book reels you in right from the start with an interesting plot and character background. There were some minor flaws in the book that felt a little off, but the book itself outshined them. If you love K Dramas you will love this one.

I wasn't expecting this to be such a fun page-turner! It was 4am by the time I stopped at 60% but I've gotta admit that I did toy with the idea of finishing it in one shot 🤣

This YA novel feels like a love letter to K-dramas and I'm here for all the pop culture references, from the dramatic chaebol trope to the iconic umbrella scene. How can I resist a book that mentions Boys Over Flowers, The Heirs, Crash Landing On You, all of which I binged watched over and over? At the same time, the author also acknowledges that K-dramas are a nice escape but it's unrealistic to expect them to match real life.

The story itself reads like a Korean drama. There were some cheesy and predictable parts, but also surprising ones and scenes that made me chuckle. I loved how Chloe was just waiting for her own umbrella moment 😂 The Seoul setting really comes to life here, with vivid descriptions of the Myeong-dong scene, street food and more. It made me want to revisit South Korea all over again!

This is a beautiful coming-of-age novel that will appeal to those who enjoy Asian representation, family drama and compelling stories about high society. It also reminded me a lot of Tokyo Ever After 😍

Now please tell me there will be a sequel?!

# The Noh Family

Have you taken one of those DNA tests, such as 23andMe? If so, did you find any surprising results?

I have not taken one, and I don’t plan on taking one. I would be legit surprised if I wasn’t 100% Chinese or a mix of Chinese and Chinese minority groups, and I have way too many relatives that I know about, I don’t need to find ones I don’t know about - I’m one of six, my mom is one of nine, my dad is one of three that lived to adulthood; I believe my maternal grandmother is also one of nine. So I’ve got plenty of relatives I know about, no need to find ones I don’t know about. I’ll leave that to my nieces and newphews.

However, in THE NOH FAMILY, the debut by Grace K Shim, our protagonist Chloe, at the urging of her best friends, takes one to learn more about her father, who died in a car accident before her birth. Chloe discovers that contrary to what her mom has told her, she has family in Korea. She is invited to visit her family in Seoul, and she soon learns that they are one of the richest families. Suddenly, her life is a K-drama plot.

Overall, I thought the book was solid, it’s likely because I’m not the target demographic. There was a bit too much woe is me, and then being kept a part from the Noh family. Her not being embraced by the family makes sense towards the end of the book, but for the first two thirds of the book, it was a bit of a drag. It may be that Chloe is a bit too selfish, or unobservant, to question some of the things that are happening around her. The plot does seem to pick up when she finally meets Jin Young, the cousin that invites her to visit the family. I also wish we had more time with Miso, and maybe even her two best friends, Hazel and Seb.

I do think this book will work for young adults that like watching soap operas, k-dramas, c-dramas, tv shows with overarching story arcs. I will be recommending this book to my niece, who is absolutely loves watching the reboot of Dynasty, and recently finished watching Glee.

I do look forward to reading more books by the author in the future.

this book was so incredible! Everything about it, the characters, the plot, the setting were all perfect! The story was interesting from the start, when we learn about Chloe‘s dynamic with her friends and her mom. I loved how the book talked about her relationship with her mom throughout the story, but I did wish that her relationship with Sebastian and Hazel was brought up more. I thought that Chloe had so many intense feelings about sort of being left out, and that was only one quick conversation that made her feel better, which just didn’t seem realistic. but besides that, I had honestly no problems with this book, I always wanted to keep on reading because of the plot twist and Chloe trying to find out new things about her family. I definitely think that everyone should read this book!!

I added this to my TBR because I noticed it was part of the trend of DNA test revelations. And I am a SUCKER for this new trend. Most of them that I’ve read I’ve loved, so I was excited to read this one too. And sure enough, I was sucked into the drama of the Noh family.

Chloe has always wanted to know her father, but he passed before she was born, and her mother doesn’t like to talk about him. So as a gag to find out if someone famous is her father, she finds out that everything she thought she knew about her father’s family was a lie. She has a whole extended family in Korea that she never knew about. Why did her mom keep this from her? Why didn’t she want her to know them? Whatever the reason, Chloe doesn’t care. She wants to know her family and she won’t let her mom get in the way.

As I said, I’m a sucker for the new trend of DNA test revelations, so I have been basically SALIVATING for this book. I wanted it at TLA, but they didn’t have it 🙁 So I had to wait for the library (well for me lol) to buy it. I grabbed it as soon as I could. And I have no regrets. This trend cropped up when DNA tests became really popular, but it’s something I never thought I’d see in a YA book. But I think that’s why I like it so much. Well that and because I know it’s going to come with some drama. And chile this one is filled with it.

The drama in this is never ending. It really is reminiscent of a K-Drama lol There’s a lot going on and I thought that might not work for me, but it really did. I was INVESTED. I don’t think I’ve been that into drama that wasn’t on tv in a long time. I didn’t want to stop listening. It’s the reason why I finished this so quickly. And don’t think that the drama is all in your face…. No. It will surprise you. If you’ve watched K-dramas or have read a lot of things like this, you can probably predict what will happen, but I liked this so much I didn’t mind that I did.

I also liked the visit to Korea I got with this. No we don’t get to see the actual Korea streets very much, but to see the sparkly and glittering of how the rich were, was just fine with me. I wish I could visit the department store, the penthouse, the fancy restaurants, all that. And I wished I could see the clothes in person as well. Chloe is a designer and some of her stuff sounded like it was bussin. I wouldn’t mind seeing or wearing it IRL.

I also loved the writing style. Is this really her debut? Because man, I was really sucked into this like it was a K-drama and I was watching it on the tv. It was like I couldn’t look away. I knew I was enjoying this because I was talking to Chloe like she heard me and would take my advice or something. And then when she didn’t I got mad. But I was also happy that she was trying to make her own decisions and be her own person. And this is how I knew I liked her writing style. If my feels are all over the place, I can safely say I loved it.

The only reason I didn’t give this 5 stars was because the characters were basic. As a character driven reader, I wanted more from Chloe. But she followed literally every checkbox for this trope of found family. It just seemed basic. And from the rest of the writing style of this book, I expected more. The other characters were also basic. I knew who the emailer was and I knew who the love interest was and it was just all too easy to pick out because I knew the boxes they would check as that character. If that makes sense. I DO love that this is an Own Voices book tho. I’m not a part of the marginalized group from this book so I won’t say whether or not the representation was done right, but I thought it was done great and I learned about some new things, along with wanting to try some new foods.

In the end since I listened to the audio I wanted to talk about the narrator. She was a BEAST. So much so that I went to see what other books she’s done. And it appears this was the first one. And I was surprised! Her intonations, her voice changing for other genders, and the way she was able to do different things like make her voice seem as if she was crying and more! It was so good. I can’t wait to see what else she can do.

This book was a surprise for me. Believe me when I say I wasn’t expecting to love this so much. But the drama took hold of me and had me in a chokehold! I remember not even realizing that much time had passed while I was listening. And that’s just the type of book I’ll always want to read.